What is the primary threat to the widenose guitarfish in Goa?

The primary threat to the widenose guitarfish in Goa is being unintentionally caught as bycatch in fishing nets.

What legal protections are in place for the widenose guitarfish in India?

The widenose guitarfish was included in Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Act, 1972, making its capture, sale, or consumption a criminal offense.

Are there specific areas in Goa identified as important for guitarfish?

Yes, Talpona and Galgibaga beaches have been classified as important shark and ray areas, indicating they provide foraging and shelter habitats for guitarfish.

Home / Environment / Endangered Guitarfish Fights for Survival in Goa

Endangered Guitarfish Fights for Survival in Goa

14 Apr

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Summary

Widenose guitarfish population is declining due to bycatch in fishing nets.
Researchers and forest department collaborate on long-term conservation study.
Catching, selling, or consuming the fish is a criminal offense since 2024.

Endangered Guitarfish Fights for Survival in Goa

The widenose guitarfish, a critically endangered species, is facing significant population decline in Goa, largely due to being unintentionally caught in fishing nets as bycatch. Although not a commercially targeted fish, its survival is threatened by this extraneous factor. Recognizing the severity, researchers are partnering with the forest department on a long-term project to monitor guitarfish populations along Goa's coast and develop conservation strategies.